Minutes of Proceedings

Session: 2012/2013

Date: 14 November 2012

Venue: Room 21

10.31am The meeting commenced in open session

1. Apologies

As above.

2. Chairperson’s Business

NONE.

3. Draft Minutes

Agreed: The Committee agreed the minutes of the meeting of 7^th November 2012.

4. Correspondence

Members noted the correspondence received.

Agreed: The Committee noted correspondence from the Department regarding the Draft UK Aviation Policy Framework and agreed to write to the Minister asking what investment will be given to high speed rail in Northern Ireland

Agreed: The Committee noted correspondence from PTEG regarding Total Transport Report.

Agreed: The Committee noted correspondence from the Committee for the Environment regarding Rathlin Island and agreed to forward to the Rathlin Island Development Association

Agreed: The Committee noted correspondence from the Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment regarding a Consumer Council NI Review

Agreed: The Committee noted correspondence from the Department regarding Into the West Rail Lobby Group

Agreed: The Committee noted correspondence from the Department regarding a breakdown of where PCNs were issued on Urban Clearway

Agreed: The Committee noted correspondence from the Department regarding the cost of replacing/repairing waste water treatment plants/pumps

Agreed: The Committee noted correspondence from the Department regarding home to school transport

Agreed: The Committee noted correspondence from the Department regarding the Warrenpoint Harbour Authority

Agreed: The Committee noted correspondence from the External Liaison Unit regarding a visit by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment

Agreed:The Committee noted correspondence from Translink regarding the opening of Adelaide Maintenance Facility and agreed to hold a meeting at the facility and attend the opening

Agreed: The Committee noted correspondence from North Down Borough Council regarding Shopmobility funding

Agreed: The Committee noted correspondence from the Department regarding public appointments

Agreed: The Committee noted correspondence from Limavady Borough Council regarding the Magilligan to Greencastle Ferry Service.

10.34am Mr McNarry joined the meeting

5. Commissioner for Public Appointments Northern Ireland: Code Compliance Issues within DRD

10.44am The following Officials joined the meeting:

Commissioner John Keanie, Commissioner for Public Appointments
Pat Neeson, Business and Policy Manager

The Officials presented to the Committee in respect of the above. Following the presentation, Members put questions.

The Chairperson informed members they should avoid questions relating to the current case within the Department and Northern Ireland Water.

11.16am Mr McNarry left the meeting

11.21am Mr McNarry rejoined the meeting

11.26am Mr Dallat left the meeting

11.31am Mr Dallat rejoined the meeting

11.35am The Officials left the meeting

6. Departmental Briefing: Ferry Services

11.35am The following Officials joined the meeting:

Mr Stephen McKillop, Accountant – Public Transport
Mr Liam McEvoy, Principal Transport Planner

The Officials presented to the Committee in respect of the above. Following the presentation, Members put questions.

11.50am Mrs Kelly left the meeting

12.09pm Mr Dallat left the meeting

12.15pm The Officials left the meeting

Agreed: The Committee would write to the Minister asking if his Department will be looking at changing the legislation surrounding the Magilligan to Greencastle ferry to enable the Department to be involved in this route and to ask the Minister if he intends meeting with his counterparts in the Republic of Ireland in relation to this matter.

Agreed: The Committee would write to the Department asking for a copy of the report into the review of the Strangford ferry service.

7. Subordinate legislation not subject to Assembly procedure

Members noted:

The Cycle Routes (Amendment No.6) Order (Northern Ireland) 2012

8. Any Other Business

12.16pm Mr McNarry left the meeting.

The Clerk informed the Committee that the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure will be visiting next week and asked members to indicate if they were available to meet with them.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to write to the Minister of Finance and Personnel asking for information on the discussions he has had with the Treasury regarding funding for the A5 project.